This past week I got to be on the phone with Dave and Bill as we talked to Alan Hirsch, Mark Buchanan and Ron Martoia. Felt like I had been through a clinic after being on the phone. All three are coming to the Group Life Conference – and I cannot wait to listen to and interact with them. All three are brilliant writers and speakers. All three have incredibly interesting and relevant topics.  All three were great conversations, but Ron’s stood out the most for me. Here’s why – and hang in there. I will eventually get to a point.

I remember about ten years ago (maybe more – age is affecting my memory) when the toy company Mattel made a huge marketing error. A new talking Barbie came out and had one glaring problem. Pull the strong and she whined, “Math is hard.” It took a nanosecond for women’s rights groups, children’s advocates and most of the known world to jump on Mattel with both feet for perpetuating the stereotype that beautiful blondes are not smart. They are – just ask my daughter!

So what does this have to do with Ron and you? I think if we made a small groups Barbie (interesting idea) she might say this, “Change is hard.” And no one would ask for a manufacturer’s recall. No one would return the doll for a refund because this time it’s true.

We all know that leading change is hard – for some reason it’s especially hard in the church. Changing the way people think and act is hard. Breaking down old systems and behaviors is hard. Influencing and leading change from the second or third chair is hard.

I guess that’s why I am really looking forward to Ron’s time at the conference. I think he can help me – and you – as we lead change. As we talked with Ron on the phone I got a sense that he has been in our shoes. That he understands. And that he can offer practical help to us all. Can’t wait for the conference to get here.